What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Over the last 12 months, I played a pivotal role in a series of high-profile projects that have significantly shaped my professional trajectory, enriching both my legal expertise and strategic insight across a range of complex domains.

Among the most prominent undertakings was the acquisition of AstroBank’s banking operations by Alpha Bank. I was deeply involved in this transaction, assuming a leading role in the negotiation and drafting of legal agreements. My active engagement throughout the process — from inception to finalisation — enabled me to collaborate with diverse stakeholders and gain profound exposure to the intricacies of cross-institutional banking transactions.

In addition, I participated in a prospective deal concerning the sale of loan facilities governed by the relevant Cyprus legislation. Although this transaction did not reach completion, the experience provided meaningful insight into the structuring and negotiation of sale of loan facility-related documentation, as well as the practical complexities that often arise in such transactions.

My experience further extends to a broad array of real estate matters, where I was responsible for the drafting and review of legal documentation, ensuring regulatory compliance and safeguarding the Bank’s interests.

In my capacity as Head of Legal and Corporate Governance, I have also contributed to the Bank’s strategic direction by integrating legal and regulatory perspectives into broader organisational planning. My involvement in a funded participation agreement further deepened my understanding of this specialised field.

Collectively, these experiences have honed my legal judgement, enhanced my strategic capabilities, and refined my approach to high-stakes negotiations, regulatory compliance, and banking-related transactions.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A modern in-house counsel must be more than a legal expert: they are an architect of trust, a catalyst for growth, and a steward of sound governance. Beyond legal proficiency, they must understand the commercial drivers and objectives of the business, aligning advice with goals, risk appetite, and industry-specific challenges while applying sound judgment and a proactive mindset. Clear and concise communication with non-legal stakeholders is essential, simplifying complex issues and offering practical, cost-effective solutions. They must support decision-making under pressure, evaluating risks, proposing balanced solutions, and navigating ambiguity with foresight. Staying abreast of evolving regulations and emerging risks, technologies, and compliance demands ensures agility, while strong collaboration skills enable effective cross-functional leadership. Integrity and courage are vital in making difficult decisions in the company’s best interest, and familiarity with legal technology enhances efficiency and compliance, particularly in areas such as data protection and cybersecurity. Embracing change and championing innovative solutions allows counsel to transition from reactive advisors to proactive business partners. In sum, a successful modern in-house counsel combines legal acumen, strategic insight, and a solution-oriented approach to deliver tangible value while fostering a culture of compliance and professional integrity.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

One area I am particularly passionate about is helping my organisation to navigate complex transactions through clear, well-structured agreements. Drafting transactional agreements is not just about legal language- it’s about understanding the underlying business goals and ensuring that the terms align with those objectives. For me transactional work is intellectually stimulating because it involves a combination of legal knowledge, business strategy and creativity. Each transaction presents a unique set of challenges. The thrill comes from finding practical solutions that both parties can agree upon while minimising potential conflicts down the road. Recently, I was involved in the sale of my organisation’s banking operations to another credit institution. For me this process highlighted the crucial role of legal teams in ensuring integrity and efficiency of such significant transactions. Being at the helm of this process, I found it incredibly fulfilling to guide the bank through these negotiations, ensuring that all legal aspects were addressed while supporting the overall strategic objectives of the sale. That sense of contributing to a company’s success through careful, thoughtful drafting is something I find incredibly rewarding.